11-year old boy dies in accidental hanging

It is with great reverence that I share the following news story from a home accident that ultimately took the life of an 11 year old boy. My online news alert system notified me of the headline from 6 days ago and I quickly read the story and sat back with shock, thinking of the horrible nature of the accident. As a Home Inspector I inspect a lot of homes in the Saratoga Springs and Eagle Mountain area. Since all of the homes are newer, many of them have unfinished basements that get turned into adventurous indoor play areas, especially when the weather turns cold and outside play diminishes.

I searched the various accounts and none really shared very many details about how it actually happened, so I am left to my imagination by remembering all of the homes I have seen with basement excercise areas and play areas. I have seen everything from large excercise stations, to complete homemade climbing gyms that could easily be the cause of similar results. I am now left to wonder what I can share with my clients to help prevent this type of unfortunate accident in their homes. I encourage everybody to check out those areas where their children are playing and look for inherent risks. Correct even one and you may save a precious life.

A fund has been setup for the Gunderson family to help cover Orion’s funeral expenses. Life can be so fragile. Please donate if you are so inclined.

11-year-old Eagle Mountain boy dies after accidental hanging

EAGLE MOUNTAIN -- An 11-year-old boy died Monday after being found hanging from exercise equipment at his home Sunday, according Sgt. Spencer Cannon, spokesman for the Utah County Sheriff's office.

According to Cannon, 11-year-old Orion Gunderson had been playing on the equipment and a younger brother told their father that something wasn't right with his older brother. The father found him and immediately called 911. The family recognized something horrible had happened.

"There is no indication this is anything more than what it appears to be," Cannon said. "Everything appears to be straightforward and nothing sinister. It's just very sad."

Deputies and Unified Fire Authority EMS personnel responded to the report of an accidental hanging Sunday at 11:30 a.m. When they found vital signs, Orion was transported to American Fork Hospital and from there to Primary Children's Medical Center in extremely critical condition.

The boy's body was taken to the Medical Examiner's office in Salt Lake City. Detectives are continuing with their investigation.

DONATIONS - Donations sought for family of Eagle Mountain boy killed in exercise equipment accident. The family of a young boy who died Monday in an accidental hanging is asking for help from the community to cover the boy's funeral costs.

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About the author

Since 1995, Master Inspector Michael Leavitt has continued to run the finest inspection firm in Northern Utah. Michael Loves to write and this business portion of his blog captures fun moments and informative topics geared towards educating and entertaining homeowners and other real estate professionals. Michael has consistently built his inspection reputation by being extremely thorough in our inspection protocols. If you are looking for the finest inspection firm in Northern Utah, then confidently draw upon Michael’s experience and order your inspection today!!!